Mons pubis

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'Mons pubis'
Poolside anterior view of mons pubis.jpg
Female mons pubis (with pubic hair removed)
Details
Latin 'mons pubis'
Precursor Genital tubercle
Identifiers
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TH {{#property:P1694}}
TE {{#property:P1693}}
FMA {{#property:P1402}}
Anatomical terminology
[[[d:Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 863: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).|edit on Wikidata]]]

In human anatomy, and in mammals in general, the mons pubis or pubic mound (also known simply as the mons /mɒnz/, and known specifically in females as the mons Venus or mons veneris)[1][2] is a rounded mass of fatty tissue found over the pubic symphysis of the pubic bones.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

Anatomy

For females, the mons pubis forms the anterior portion of the vulva. It divides into the labia majora (literally "larger lips"), on either side of the furrow known as the pudendal cleft, that surrounds the labia minora, clitoris, urinary meatus, vaginal opening, and other structures of the vulval vestibule.[2][5][6]

Although present in both men and women, the mons pubis tends to be larger in women.[1][6] Its fatty tissue is sensitive to estrogen, causing a distinct mound to form with the onset of female puberty.[4][6][7][8] This pushes the forward portion of the labia majora out and away from the pubic bone. The mound also becomes covered with pubic hair. It often becomes less prominent with the decrease in bodily estrogen experienced during menopause.[9]

Etymology

The term mons pubis is derived from Latin for "pubic mound". The more specifically female mons Venus or mons veneris is derived from Latin for "mound of Venus".[1][2]

Society and culture

Aesthetic modifications of the mons pubis include scarification tattoos (left) and genital piercings such as the Christina piercing (right).

Although not part of external genitalia itself, the pubic mound can be regarded as an erogenous zone and is highly eroticized in many cultures. Throughout history, the complete or partial removal of pubic hair has been common in many societies,[citation needed] and more recently it has become widespread in the Western world. The removal of all pubic hair has become common practice in the past decade primarily due to societal pressures and personal preferences. There are several popular removal methods including shaving and waxing or "Brazilian wax". Not to be confused with Bikini Wax. [10][11][12]

In some circumstances, the mons veneris is subjected to aesthetic ideals beyond hair removal. Correspondingly, plastic surgery is offered, which alters the shape of the mons to a desired ideal.[13] Desired ideals may be influenced by personal preferences, current cultural norms, or societal pressures.[citation needed]

Permanent forms of decoration to enhance the aesthetic appeal of this area are hanabira (the application of cosmetic scars)[14] or piercings such as the Christina piercing or the Nefertiti piercing.[15] Vajazzling refers to the non-permanent decoration of the mons pubis with crystal ornaments.[16][17] Traditional ink tattoos are also common in this area as well as temporary henna designs or Mehndi.

References

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  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  10. Stone, N., Graham, C. A., & Baysal, I. (2017). Women's Engagement in Pubic Hair Removal: Motivations and Associated Factors. International Journal of Sexual Health, 29(1), 89-96.
  11. Lidola, M. (2014). Negotiating integration in Berlin's waxing studios: Brazilian migrants' gendered appropriation of urban consumer spaces and 'ethnic' entrepreneurship. Journal of Contemporary History, 49(1), 228-251.
  12. Herbenick, D., Schick, V., Reece, M., Sanders, S., & Fortenberry, J. D. (2010). Pubic hair removal among women in the United States: Prevalence, methods, and characteristics. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(10), 3322-3330.
  13. Triana, L., & Robledo, A. M. (2015). Aesthetic surgery of female external genitalia. Aesthetic surgery journal, 35(2), 165-177.
  14. Schnittiger Trend? Scarification statt Tattoo - Stylight
  15. Van der Meer, G. T., Schultz, W. W., & Nijman, J. M. (2008). Intimate body piercings in women. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, 29(4), 235-239.
  16. Turney, J. (2016). Vajazzled!!! Pursuits for the hirsute. Clothing Cultures, 3(2), 143-153.
  17. 7 Things You Didn't Know About Vajazzling - Cosmopolitan

Bibliography

External links

  • Media related to Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. at Wikimedia Commons
  • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

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